THE SORCERER SUPREME IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE SORCERER SUPREME. In the aftermath of ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM, a new power rises. One willing to defy tradition, break every rule and chart a bold, new path. Will this rogue Sorcerer Supreme bring magic in the Marvel Universe to new heights or leave it in ruin? Sorcerer Supreme #1 kicks off a new era for Marvel’s mystical manor!
I’ll admit, I generally have a mixed relationship with the mystical side of the Marvel Universe. Like so many other aspects and characters, it’s one I dipped my toes into though never was one I found myself really sticking with for long periods. The exception to that was the 90s when I’d count Blade, Midnight Sons, and others as part of it, though a bit more of a horror tint. I mention that time because the Darkhold played such an important role, and seems to have in recent Scarlet Witch series, who also happens to be the new Sorcerer Supreme. If you don’t know any of what has happened to her, the Darkhold, how she got the title, Sorcerer Supreme #1 does a decent job of catching readers up.
Writer Steve Orlando does a solid job and making this debut issue a continuation of the recent Scarlet Witch series while treading a new path, keeping things relevant for Doctor Strange Fans, and also giving enough so new readers won’t be lost. I’ve only read a few issues of Orlando’s recent run on Scarlet Witch so knew she set up a shop to act as a mystical problem solver. The Darkhold, how she got her new title, that was all new to me, and I followed along. While it touches upon recent events and what happened to Stephen Strange, you just need to know he lost his title, it’s what’s important. It also plays off that many of the characters really have no idea of the details or where he’s at, which sets up even more to expect down the road.
And that’s what a lot of what the issue does, sets things up for this new status quo. While opening with a battle, it quickly pivots to Wanda’s new home, her relationship with Wong, and the other characters playing a key role in the series. Most importantly it sets up conflict in a lot of ways. Individuals aren’t happy with Wanda being the new Sorcerer Supreme or how she got the title. Then there’s the question as to what happens when Dr. Strange eventually does return. Overall, it sets a different idea of what this title and role should be. While we’re told Strange does all these things to protect Earth from mystical forces, we usually see him focuses on one particular threat, not these constant battle and reaction we’re told about. Wanda seems to being delivering that missing piece with a different vision and more mystical peacekeeping concept. It’s something new, different, and could play out in interesting ways.
The issue does a solid job of focusing on Wanda’s relationships as well and the rocky years she’s had… really decades. It brings in characters that should be involved and again catches up new readers.
The art by Bernard Chang is good. The characters look solid and the action and key moments have a nice dynamic aspect to them. With color by Ruth Redmond and lettering by Cory Petit the comic pops. And that’s what’s interesting about the visuals of the comic. While it’d easy to have a darker, more ominous tone to the visuals, the comic instead has a rather bright aspect to it that feels like it hides the horror roots of the concept.
Sorcerer Supreme #1 is a nice debut that does an excellent job of being accessible to new readers while moving the greater story along. It also teases that much like the cosmic portion of Marvel’s Universe, there’s a focus on renewing the mystical side with much more to come. Wanda fans will enjoy it but new readers will want to check it out too.
Story: Steve Orlando Art: Bernard Chang
Color: Ruth Redmond Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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